The goldfish has a long
history of association with man. As a result, there is much folklore
associated with it. It has been domesticated into a multitude of odd
shapes and sizes, much more so than the carp. Ornamental fish farmers in
Singapore produce goldfish varieties in large quantities, and the individuals
which are slightly deformed or not of the right colour are culled, and used
for the feeder-fish industry. The occasional goldfish has been introduced
into ponds, or even into canals. Unlike the carp,
it does not have barbels.

From
A Guide to Common Freshwater Fishes of Singapore
by Kelvin K P Lim and Peter K L Ng
Published by the Singapore Science Centre and sponsored by BP@Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Singapore
Science Centre